murphyPEG-16 Soy Sterol
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 16 Soy Sterol
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from soybean oil sterols, a plant-derived steroid alcohol compound commonly used as a starting material.
Produced by ethoxylation of soy sterols with ethylene oxide, creating a polyethylene glycol-modified surfactant compound.
Sterols, soya (Glycine soja), ethoxylated (16 mol EO average molar ratio)
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Soy
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
5
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Eye Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 264)
Not a Skin Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 264)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.01–0.25%
Rinse-off1%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2020 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR